5 Reasons Why Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Is A Genuinely Brilliant Film

3. Great Cast

To examine more closely the characters who made such a compelling story, we have to look at the actors who played them. The Phantom Menace features a number of high profile names from the world of Hollywood, with starring roles for Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman. Irish actor Liam Neeson delivers a strong performance as Qui-Gon Jinn, and George Lucas points out he was chosen as he was considered "a master actor, who the other actors will look up to, who has got the qualities of strength that the character demands." Neeson has a screen presence in the film unrivalled by his fellow actors, and convincingly portrays a Jedi master. He is dignified and wise, and his character is a likeable father figure to both Obi-Wan and the child Anakin. Neeson had been nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the 1993 Schindler's List, but his role in The Phantom Menace more resembles his portrayal of vengeful Highlander Rob Roy McGregor in the 1995 Rob Roy. The other notable star of The Phantom Menace is Natalie Portman, who played the role of Queen Padmé Amidala. Portman had made her feature film debut with the critically acclaimed Léon: The Professional in 1994, appearing at the age of 12. Her role in the French action thriller was one of the factors in her being cast by George Lucas, who required "a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of the planet, but at the same time be vulnerable and open." Portman has a dual role in the story, as she plays two different characters in a single role, with a twist revealing that the maid Padmé is in fact the Queen. Her appearance as a composed and elegant member of Royalty is contrasted by her real personality as a curious, naive young girl. Lucas noted that Portman produced a character along the same lines as Leia in the original trilogy, and her portrayal has to be acknowledged as being mature and sophisticated.